Simple bearing for solar tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-axis solar trackers face issues with friction, wear, and electrical grounding in their bearings, leading to potential system instability and the need for external damping and flexible ground wires, which can fail under wind-induced torque and seismic events.
Innovation Solution
A bearing system with a round journal and race configuration, incorporating thrust-stop flanges and bushings to reduce friction, maintain electrical grounding, and absorb wind torque, eliminating the need for external damping devices and flexible ground wires by using steel-on-steel contact and strategically placed fasteners for tilt and thrust stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bearings with ball bearings, roller bearings or dry bushings are used, then the solar panels can rotate to track the sun, but friction and wear increase leading to system instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bearing functions into a single integrated journal structure. The journal includes a rotating portion that turns inside a bearing race and a thrust-stop portion that prevents axial movement, merging rotation support and thrust prevention into one component. This reduces the number of separate bearing elements and minimizes friction points.
Solution Approach 2:
The journal structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it supports radial loads through the bearing race interface, prevents axial movement through the thrust-stop flanges, and provides electrical grounding through the steel journal body. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate damping devices and ground wires.
2Reliability
If external damping devices and flexible ground wires are used to address friction and grounding issues, then electrical grounding can be maintained, but the system becomes more complex and vulnerable to failure under wind torque and seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates electrical grounding functionality directly into the journal structure itself. The steel journal body serves as the ground path from the torque tube to the support post, eliminating the need for separate flexible ground wires. This reduces component count and potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for external damping devices by incorporating damping functionality into the bearing race interface. The steel-on-steel contact with controlled clearance provides inherent damping for wind-induced torque, eliminating separate damping components and reducing system complexity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a simple bearing with steel-on-steel contact is used, then friction is reduced and wear is minimized, but additional mechanisms are needed to prevent excessive movement and maintain grounding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines movement control and grounding functions into the journal structure. The thrust-stop flanges prevent axial movement while the steel journal body maintains electrical grounding, integrating multiple control functions into a single component without adding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The journal includes a rounded journal portion that rotates within the bearing race, using curved surface contact to reduce friction and wear. The spherical or cylindrical geometry allows smooth rotation while the flanges provide axial constraints, combining curvature benefits with movement control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides reduced wear, maintained electrical grounding, and effective damping of wind-induced torque, ensuring stability and continuous operation without external damping devices or flexible ground wires, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of solar panel tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
A bearing system with a round journal and race configuration, incorporating thrust-stop flanges and bushings to reduce friction
Implementation Method 2
effective damping of wind-induced torque, ensuring stability and continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing for single-axis solar tracking system includes a journal with a tube portion connected to a pair of flanges that are configured as a thrust-stop. The bearing further includes a race removably connected to the journal.